The Midsummer Ball raises over £100,000 for the sick and disadvantaged young people of Sussex

450 guests were treated to a West End themed evening of food, fundraising and entertainment at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on Saturday (24 June 2017).

The annual Midsummer Charity Ball, sponsored by Skerritt's, supported the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People along with Action Medical Research, Chailey Heritage Foundation, Chestnut Tree House and The Starr Trust raising funds to help young people in Sussex. The Ball raised an incredible £100,000.

The event is well-known for its Strictly Come Dancing-style dance competition, however, this year featured a Musical theme with six local personalities take part in the charity challenge, which was organised by entertainment company E3.

They were supported by dancers from Brighton Academy, who joined the amateurs for a Musical-style piece, in front of three judges. Anthony Nelson was crowned as the 2017 winner with his Gene Kelly inspired Singing in the Rain routine, and between them, the six entertainers raised over £10,720 for all the fabulous charitable causes.

Compered by David Hill from E3, Midsummer Ball guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet provided by Hilton Brighton Metropole, fine wines, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the famous indoor dodgems, sponsored by Cardens Accountants. Money was raised on the night through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including a game of ‘heads and tails’, a charity auction and wish trees.

DM Thomas Foundation for Young People helps a multitude of charities in supporting young people who may be disabled, vulnerable, sick or homeless. This is the sixteenth year that the Foundation has held a Ball in partnership with the hotel to help the young people of Sussex. Each year a local charity benefits from a Foundation grant following the ball. This year this was extended to four local charities, who all worked on the ball committee to organise the event.

The money raised from the Midsummer Ball will be used to improve the lives, aspirations and care of disabled, sick and disadvantage young people of Sussex through the work of the five charities.